A Pair of Silver Wings

James Holland

ISBN: 978 0 434 01014 1

ISBN: 0 434 01014 6

404 pages

Hardback and Paperback

‘A Pair of Silver Wings’ by the Sunday Times best-selling author, James Holland, is a story that begins in 1995 when Britain is celebrating the 50th anniversary of VE Day. But for Edward Enderby, a 72 year old retired school teacher, it marks the beginning of a journey of self discovery and personal redemption – a journey that takes him first to Malta where, as a young fighter pilot, he witnessed scenes of unspeakable horror; and then to Italy where, in 1944, he joined the partisans in their fight for freedom.

Although it is a work of fiction, the wartime parts of his story are based around real events, in particular The Siege of Malta and the Italian partisan activities that took place in the mountains south of Bologna, where 208 Squadron operated in 1944 and 1945. His characters are inspired by real people, young men mostly, who lived, loved and died during the Second World War.

In his presentation to the Naval Eight / 208 Squadron Annual Reunion in 2004, Ken Pugh described 208 Squadron’s part in the Italian campaign and, in particular the shooting down of a colleague, Eric (‘Judy’) Garland who, although presumed killed, had survived, escaped capture and led a group of Italian partisans for the remainder of the War. The Italian section of Holland’s book might well have been based on the exploits of ‘Judy’ Garland of 208 Squadron.

The book is well written and entertaining, and a wonderful tribute to the courageous young men who flew Spitfires during the Second World War. It is compelling and moving and an exceptionally good read.

Published by

William Heinemann

The Random House Group Limited

20 Vauxhall Bridge Road

London

SW1V 2SA

1st printing 2006